The Rabbitohs responded to the report in a statement this morning confirming they were involved in organising Burgess' New York stint.

"The South Sydney Rabbitohs can confirm that Thomas Burgess has been given the opportunity to develop his skills by participating in NFL training during his off-season break," the club said.

"The Rabbitohs value Thomas’ desire to be the best professional athlete he can be and support his endeavour."

English-born Burgess has previously expressed an interest in playing American Football and following in the footsteps of former Eels star Jarryd Hayne.

"I have shown interest in NFL for a while and I'd spoken to a few of my friends about how I'd love to go there [but] somehow it's been turned into I've got a contract out there, and that's why I've signed for one year with Souths," Burgess told Fairfax earlier this year.